Things to do in Rome

🏛️ Rome is a city where centuries of history meet modern life on every street corner. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning to discover more, there are endless Things to do in Rome from world famous attractions and guided tours to unique local excursions and immersive cultural activities that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Below, you'll find a helpful breakdown of top Rome attractions, practical travel tips, and curated experiences to help you plan your visit. Book your tickets early, as the most popular tours fill up fast.

Top Attractions in Rome

Rome captivates with ancient wonders like the Colosseum and Vatican City, blending millennia of history with vibrant modern life. From imperial ruins to Renaissance masterpieces, the Eternal City offers unforgettable experiences at every corner.

Historical Landmarks

Ancient monuments that showcase Rome's imperial grandeur and architectural brilliance

  • Colosseum: Iconic amphitheater where gladiators once fought, symbolizing the power of ancient Rome
  • Roman Forum: Heart of ancient Rome with temples, basilicas, and ruins of the political center
  • Pantheon: Perfectly preserved Roman temple with the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome

Cultural Sites

World-class museums and religious sites housing priceless art and artifacts

  • Vatican Museums: Vast collection including the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's famous ceiling frescoes
  • St. Peter's Basilica: Magnificent Renaissance church and spiritual center of the Catholic world
  • Capitoline Museums: World's oldest public museum with ancient Roman statues and Renaissance masterpieces

Modern Highlights

Contemporary attractions and vibrant neighborhoods showcasing modern Roman life

  • Trevi Fountain: Baroque masterpiece where tradition says tossing a coin ensures your return to Rome
  • Spanish Steps: Famous staircase connecting Piazza di Spagna with fashion boutiques and cafes
  • Trastevere District: Charming medieval neighborhood with cobblestone streets, restaurants, and nightlife

Local Culture & Experiences

Roman culture blends ancient traditions with modern Italian lifestyle. Experience la dolce vita through authentic cuisine, passionate conversations, and the art of taking time to savor life's pleasures in this historic city.

  • Traditional Roman Markets: Browse Campo de' Fiori morning market for fresh produce, flowers, and local specialties
  • Aperitivo Hour: Join locals for evening drinks with complimentary snacks at wine bars and cafes
  • Sunday Mass at St. Peter's: Experience the spiritual heart of Catholicism with papal appearances and traditional ceremonies
  • Roman Cooking Classes: Learn to make fresh pasta, carbonara, and gelato from expert local chefs

Shopping in Rome

Rome offers luxury fashion on Via del Corso, artisan crafts in Trastevere, and vintage finds at Porta Portese market. From high-end boutiques to local workshops, discover unique treasures throughout the city.

  • Via del Corso – Main shopping street with international brands, Italian fashion, and department stores
  • Via del Babuino – Luxury shopping avenue featuring designer boutiques and high-end Italian leather goods
  • Porta Portese Market – Sunday flea market with antiques, vintage clothes, books, and unique Roman treasures
  • Campo de' Fiori – Morning food market transforming into evening dining and nightlife destination
  • Monti District – Bohemian neighborhood with vintage shops, independent boutiques, and artisan workshops

Best Parks & Green Spaces

Rome's green spaces provide peaceful retreats from urban energy. Ancient villa gardens, hilltop parks with panoramic views, and landscaped grounds offer perfect spots for relaxation and scenic walks.

  • Villa Borghese – Large central park with museums, gardens, lake, and the famous Borghese Gallery art collection
  • Villa Doria Pamphili – Rome's largest park with jogging paths, picnic areas, and beautiful landscaped gardens
  • Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) – Romantic hilltop garden on Aventine Hill offering stunning sunset views over the city
  • Villa Celimontana – Peaceful park near the Colosseum with ancient ruins, walking paths, and jazz concerts
  • Villa Torlonia – Historic villa with museums, gardens, and the fascinating underground Jewish catacombs

Hidden Gems & Local Secrets

Beyond famous landmarks, Rome hides secret treasures. Discover underground churches, hidden courtyards, artisan workshops, and local hangouts known only to Romans for authentic experiences.

  • San Clemente Basilica – Three-layered church revealing 2,000 years of history with underground Mithraic temple
  • Palazzo Altemps – Lesser-known museum housing exceptional ancient Roman sculptures in a Renaissance palace
  • Quartiere Coppedè – Fairy-tale neighborhood with Art Nouveau architecture, ornate buildings, and whimsical details
  • Centrale Montemartini – Ancient Roman statues displayed in a former power plant creating striking modern contrasts
  • Keyhole of Malta – Secret viewpoint on Aventine Hill perfectly framing St. Peter's Dome through a keyhole

Practical Travel Tips for Rome

Navigate Rome like a local with insider knowledge. From transportation tricks to dining etiquette, these practical tips help you experience the Eternal City authentically and efficiently.

Getting Around

Master Rome's transportation system for easy city exploration

  • Buy Roma Pass for public transport and museum discounts, valid for 48 or 72 hours
  • Walk between central attractions as many are closer than they appear on maps
  • Use metro lines A and B for quick trips, but expect crowds during rush hours

Where to Stay

Choose the perfect neighborhood for your Roman holiday

  • Stay near Termini Station for easy airport access and transportation connections
  • Book Trastevere for authentic atmosphere with restaurants and nightlife
  • Choose Spanish Steps area for luxury shopping and central location to attractions

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and enhance your Roman experience

  • Dress modestly when visiting churches, covering shoulders and knees
  • Greet shopkeepers with 'Buongiorno' and 'Grazie' for warmer interactions
  • Eat dinner after 8 PM like locals and avoid ordering cappuccino after lunch

Featured Rome Excursions & Tours

Discover Rome's layers through expert-guided experiences. From skip-the-line Vatican tours to underground explorations, professional guides bring ancient history and modern culture to life.

  • Vatican Skip-the-Line Tour: Expert-guided exploration of Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica
  • Colosseum Underground Tour: Access restricted areas including the arena floor and underground chambers
  • Rome Food Walking Tour: Taste authentic Roman cuisine while exploring historic neighborhoods and markets
  • Evening Rome by Vespa: Romantic tour of illuminated landmarks riding classic Italian scooters

Book Vatican and Colosseum tours well in advance, especially during peak season from April to October.

Interactive Rome Map

Navigate Rome effortlessly with our interactive map featuring major attractions, dining recommendations, accommodation options, and essential transportation hubs throughout the historic city.

  • 📍 Top attractions
  • 🍽️ Restaurants
  • 🏨 Hotels
  • 🚇 Transport hubs

Click on map markers for detailed information, opening hours, and booking links for attractions and services.

Real Visitor Reviews

Real travelers share their Roman adventures, offering insights and recommendations from recent visits to help you plan your perfect trip to the Eternal City.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Absolutely Magical Experience"
Three days in Rome wasn't enough! The Colosseum tour was incredible, and the food in Trastevere exceeded all expectations. Every corner holds history and beauty. – Sarah M., United States

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "History Comes Alive"
Our Vatican guide was phenomenal, making ancient art and architecture fascinating. The underground Basilica San Clemente was an unexpected highlight of our trip. – James P., United Kingdom

⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Perfect Long Weekend"
Well-organized city with amazing public transport. Loved the mix of ancient sites and modern Roman life. Gelato every day was definitely necessary! – Anna K., Germany

FAQs: Rome Tours & Activities

Q: How many days do I need to see Rome's main attractions?

A: Plan at least 3-4 days to see major sites like the Colosseum, Vatican, Pantheon, and Roman Forum. A week allows time for museums, neighborhoods, and day trips.

Q: When is the best time to visit Rome?

A: April-June and September-October offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is hot and busy, while winter has mild temperatures and shorter daylight hours.

Q: What's the best way to get from the airport to central Rome?

A: Take the Leonardo Express train from Fiumicino to Termini Station (32 minutes) or use the metro/bus combination. Taxis cost around 48 euros with fixed rates.

Q: Do I need to book Colosseum and Vatican tickets in advance?

A: Yes, both require advance booking, especially during peak season. Consider skip-the-line tours to save time and enhance your experience with expert guides.

Q: Is it safe to walk around Rome at night?

A: Central Rome is generally safe for evening walks. Stay in well-lit tourist areas, be aware of pickpockets near attractions, and avoid isolated areas late at night.

Q: What should I wear when visiting churches in Rome?

A: Cover shoulders and knees when entering churches. Carry a light scarf for covering up, and avoid shorts, tank tops, or revealing clothing in religious sites.

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Popular Tours & Activities in Rome

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour

Spend more time inside with no-wait access to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica through an official Vatican partner entrance. On this comprehensive guided tour, you'll experience the best of the Vatican in just three hours, including the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, and more. Navigate the vast complex of artwork and history with an expert, who will bring this ancient collection to life. Choose from several departure times and languages.

From USD 81.36 — ★ 4.4940085 (41477 reviews)

Skip-The-Line Vatican Museums,Sistine Chapel & Optional Basilica

Skip the long lines and discover the treasures of the Vatican with an expert guide. Explore the Vatican Museums' world-renowned collections, including masterpieces such as the Laocoön, Apollo Belvedere, and the Belvedere Torso, while learning the fascinating stories behind centuries of art, history, and papal patronage. Continue through the breathtaking galleries, including the Gallery of Maps, Gallery of Tapestries, and Gallery of Candelabras, before arriving at the magnificent Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo's iconic frescoes. If the Basilica option is selected, your experience will conclude inside St. Peter’s Basilica, where you will discover some of the most important masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture.

From USD 57.78 — ★ 4.6692977 (1267 reviews)

Skip-the-Line Group Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica

A holiday in Rome without visiting the Vatican is like a day at the beach without swimming in the sea. See the best of the Vatican museums and gain direct entrance with skip-the-line access to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, while our excellent guides entertain you with stories that go with each masterpiece. This budget-friendly tour is the best value for money for travelers that are interested in 1) seeing the museum’s highlights 2) meeting a new friend or two through your group and 3) skipping the lines (trust us, with over 6 million tourist spilling into the museum every year, you'll want it!) Disclaimer: you will be entering the Vatican museum during one of the busiest times of the day. While the tour provides skip-the-line access, the crowds in the museum vary from day to day and some delay with security can be expected (it would be misleading for other tour operators to not tell you this!)

From USD 23.58 — ★ 4.6200356 (15183 reviews)

Rome 3H Private Golf Cart Tour with Pick Up and Drop Off Included

Discover Rome in total comfort with a three-hour golf cart tour, perfect for admiring all the wonders of the Eternal City effortlessly. You will cross the most iconic places, from the Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain, from Piazza Navona to the Pantheon, with a completely customizable itinerary according to your interests. Pick-ups and drop-offs are included for a worry-free experience, as well as a pleasant stop to sample Roman specialties such as supplì or traditional pizza. On board you will find water included for maximum comfort. Experienced drivers will accompany you safely, sharing history and curiosities to make you experience Rome in an authentic and engaging way.

From USD 51.88 — ★ 4.5526857 (968 reviews)

Winner 2026 Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour by Eating Europe

When Rome turns golden and Trastevere's cobblestones start to glow, that's your cue. Narrow alleys, family-run trattorias, street food stands, wine bars older than the Colosseum, and a guide who knows the story behind all of it. This intimate small-group tour takes you through the neighborhood on foot, eating your way from the Tiber Island to the best gelato in Rome. With up to 12 guests, you'll have skip-the-line access to spots that are hard to get into on your own, with good company and even better food. Important Note: Every departure features 6–7 delicious stops through the charming streets of Trastevere, and every tour always includes a pizza tasting, a delicious sit-down pasta dinner, and authentic Italian gelato, along with other local specialties. Some itineraries may include renowned local favorites such as Spirito Divino or Da Enzo, however these restaurants are not included on every departure, and stops may vary based on availability to ensure the best possible experience

From USD 122.63 — ★ 4.920281 (6410 reviews)